Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Six Degrees of Separation or Something

I've been wanting to do a post like this for a long time and today is the day! Just for fun, here are some questions.

Do we know each other? If so, how?

EX: Yes, I was one of your bridesmaids, you dork!EX: We went to junior high church camp together. Remember when you used to wear plastic shorts with bikers underneath? And baggy tank tops? In neon colors? EX: Yes, we were Rec Divas in 2000. EX: Yes, are you trying to guilt trip your friends into leaving you comments?

Maybe we don't really know each other, but have we ever met?

EX: Yes, I met you in the bathroom that one time at church. You acted a little weird. (I'm seriously so sorry.) EX: Yes, we met briefly in the mall one time. You were on your way to get your highlights done. Bless your heart, you had a 6 inch black stripe down the middle of your head.

EX: Yes, I have a little boy who likes to be nekked all the time, too!EX: Yes, I was in Phi Lamb. EX: Yes, I have also been known to buy the same shirt from Banana Republic in two colors and immediately regret it when I don't like how they look after the wash. Dern, dern, triple dern!EX: Yes, I wanted to be Barbara Walters, too, until I read her autobiography which was TMI.

I just thought it would be cool to know how we're connected. If our only connection is that you visit this blog every now and then, you're still totally welcome here. And no need to feel bad if you've never commented before. I have certain blogs that I comment on every time and others that I never do. And sometimes it just depends on whether I'm nursing the baby and can only type with one hand. You never know!

363 comments:

Well we've probably never met in person even though I attend First Baptist and MetroLive. I found your blog through "It's almost naptime" - Missy Dollahon's blog. I was looking at her blogroll, saw your blog, which had a very catchy title and realized that I knew who you were. So I don't know if you know Missy personally, but I do and I photographed her family recently so you might have seen a link to my blog on her blog. You have a beautiful family and I love Curtis' teaching and speaking engagements.

We've never met, and my only connection is that I have a preschool-aged son (he's four) and a little girl on the way. Your pictures and stories make me so excited to welcome a little pink into this otherwise rough-and-tumble world of blue!

We've never met but I have learned about you from your precious mother, Beth! Of course you hear this all the time. By reading your blog today, we don't have the normal things in common like children but the bond of Christ is what unites us and that is simply wonderful and amazing. I have no children and I am content to where GOD has placed me at this time in my life. May the LORD bless you. What a wonderful family you have. God bless.

I don't THINK we've met...although we very well could have. I graduated from A&M in '01 - was at Breakaway nearly every Tuesday, went to Grace Bible, yada yada yada. :) Also, I have a son, Caleb, who was born Feb. 13, 2006 - he and Jackson are apparently twins separated at birth by the way you describe Jackson. Full of life and energy!! I've attended SEVERAL of your mom's Bible studies on Tuesday nights at HFBC.I don't remember how I came across your blog, but I've enjoyed it for quite some time now! I have always appreciated your honesty and wit. :) Keep it up!

Hey Amanda- I saw your title of your blog on Kelly's Korner and I was curious what Baby Bangs was, once I started reading I really enjoyed it. I have a 10 month old so I like to see how you have handled the many joys of motherhood with Jackson. Thanks for sharing.Carly

What a fun post! We have a mutual friend, Amber Burger. Amber and I were BFF's in Elementary School. We used to call each other every single day to coordinate our outfits.

I have to tell you that I love the name Jackson. Our Carter would have been a Jackson if our last name wasn't Hewitt. I just couldn't bear to have our son share a name with a tax company (Jackson Hewitt) especially since I am an Accountant!

We've never met in person, and I'm unaware of any mutual friends. But I live in Wheaton where Melissa went to grad school; my dad has taught at Wheaton my whole life and I went there, too, so I guess that's a small connection.

Other things...I have a son named Jackson, too! He's 4 and a lot of what you write about your Jackson reminds me so much of mine. I have two girls, Ellie (2 1/2) and Samantha (15 mo) and another one on the way!

And of course, we are both firstborns (about the same age, too!) with one younger sister, so I feel connected to you in that sense in a lot of what you and your mom write about you and Melissa.

And then, well, the biggie...we both love your Mama! She has been so instrumental in my life...my mother is dying of Alzheimer's and I never had that friendship stage of life with her, so I feel like in many ways your mom has been a spiritual mentor to me through her studies and I am so very grateful.

Side note...we're doing Living Beyond Yourself at our church right now and I just wanted you to know that I love the red coat you're wearing in some of the outdoor shots! :)

I don't know if we'll ever meet but I am thankful for your blogger-friendship :) and for "knowing" you in this quirky, technological way.

You know me from the four most dramatic years of my life (okay maybe that award should really be given to Jr. High, but whatever). And even though we haven't seen each other in person since, hopefully you don't think I'm still like that :)

Let's start by saying I am older than your mother so we're not close to the same age. Never met. No connectionat at all. Unless of course my having two sweet beautiful grandbabies in the same age bracket as your two children would count as a connection. And perhaps the fact that I was a pioneer in "re-introducing" breast feeding back in the late 1970's! The nurses at the hospital when I had our first baby were NOT very helpful and in fact griped a LOT because they had to bring baby girl to my room for nursing instead of being able to put a bottle in her mouth like all the other babies in the nursery. But I stuck to my guns and successfully breast fed all three of our children.

I enjoy reading your blog mostly because I admire how much your family and your children mean to you. So many women your age put more priority on their career than their family. Keep up the good work!

No, we've never met. I found your blog through Travis's blog. I did see you in the Alamodome lobby area at the Siesta Fiesta in SA, and I ALMOST went up an introduced myself, but just as I was walking towards you, a bunch of siestas swooped in front of me. I felt like a dork, so I just left. I'd like to meet you and say "hello" - maybe one day... *GRIN*

My kids are older than yours (12 and 10) but I love hearing (reading) your stories; brings back the memories.

I think that we met a loooong time ago. My husband (fiance at the time) was an intern at breakaway the year the Curtis came and talked a few times (if he did that a lot, it was 04-05ish). Now, we are back in Houston and members at First. I can't remember how I found your blog but I love reading it. I see you and your family at church all the time, especially afterwards outside the nursery (we have a 17 month old). It is funny because I see you guys and want to just walk up and start talking to you because I feel like I know you. I guess that makes me a little weird. Oh well. :) We have a blog, too. davidandally.blogspot.com

We have never met... I found your blog about the time my bible study group was doing one of your mom's studies. It was amazing! I also have a little girl who is not much younger than Annabeth. I love your blog!

How fun is this! I have never met you, but we do have mutal friends. Our interim pastor right now is Mike Habermehl so we have met CM and his family several times. You have talked about them on your blog before. I live west of Houston and have attended your mom's Tuesday night Bible Studies. My hubs is also in the ministry so we have that in common, too.

We've never met, but my husband is a youth pastor, as yours was...I think that's how/why I started reading your blog. We actually have a mutual friend/acquaintance - my friend/neighbor is Jennifer Davis (now Dove) who was on the youth staff when you were an intern in Houston...at least I think that's how the connection goes!

Nope, don't know you!I do live in the Houston area though, my daughter is three, and I came to you from Sunni's blog. Those could be my "in common" with you. I didn't know her either, I was just blog hoppin'. You girls are presh! I read your blog for a while before I even realized who your mom was. Love her too! Your posts make me laugh! I feel as if you're sitting on my couch talkin' to me!

- We don't officially know each other, although we're at the same places at the same times a lot...

Maybe we don't really know each other, but have we ever met?

- Not officially. You held the door open for me at Tuesday night bible study one night, and you were super-cute pregnant at the time, but I didn't want to be weird and blurt out that I read your blog (ha!)

Do we have a mutual friend or acquaintance?

I'd be willing to guess that we do, but I don't know who they are...

If the answer is no to all three, do we have something in common?

- We were at A&M at the same time (I was class of '00 and '02)- We both go to a bible study on Tuesday nights in the Fall and in the Spring taught by this phenomenal woman you might know...

All that said, if/when I see you at bible study in the fall, I'll actually say something this time...

We actually haven't met. I went to college with Curt... and my husband did, too. We have lots of mutual friends... the SBU crowd... And, a few years back I was Jennifer Rothschild's personal assistant and travelled with her all over the place... again, giving us lots of mutual friends. :)

I love your blog! :)

Thanks for asking how we know you... now I won't feel like I'm stalking your blog anymore. :) ha!

We don't know each other. I found your blog through Kelly's Korner and I read the post where you talked about Jackson's 3-year-old behavior bringing you to your knees. At the time, I patted myself on the back about my almost-3-year-old son's good behavior--about 6 weeks later I was reading your blog regularly for encouragement when he morphed into a defiant little boy. Now he is sort of returning to normal. And we are in the midst of our own potty training crises, although that, too, seems to be passing.

Oh, and I have a 4 month old easygoing baby girl (named Anna, actually!), who I love to dress up and photograph.

I thoroughly enjoy your blog and your honesty about the trials of mothering--keep it up!!

We have never met but I hope one day we will! (although I have a picture that looks like we have met).I love your blog because of your heart for Jesus, your realness, your humor and now we have 2 baby girls in common!Typing with one hand right now!

I know we have totally never met in person, BUT, I do have the Joovy double stroller below and love it. I used it today as a matter of fact! And, my pediatrician and I have a running joke about the brand name "Joovy" and how my kids are going to end up there. And (can't believe I thought of something else!), I'm working a Travis Cottrell even in Huntsville, ALA (where I live) on August 9th for Compassion. So, he can be our connection... since I'm sure we'll get to talk and be best friends and all after this event.

Ok, well we have never met, atleast I don't think so. We both have two children, a boy and a girl. Our little girls are only a couple months apart, Annabeth being older. We do have mutual friends, Kristen Stedham, Allison Wendler (Toller). We are the same age and we are both Aggies.

We may have met a long time ago, but only briefly. We grew up in the same neighborhood. My little sister was friends with you, maybe in junior high? And now, you are friends with a girl that is in my kiddos' playgroup (I think your little sister was/is friends with her). And finally - I think our boys (mine just turned 3 last week) have learned from the same school of wild but still can be sweet school. Our mutual friend even thinks our boys look alike sometimes.

We've never met and I don't live in Texas. I stumbled onto your blog a couple years ago via Big Mama's blogroll and have loved it ever since!

It took me a sweet forever to even realize you were Beth Moore's daugther. I was attending one of her studies at our church and she started talking about you and Jackson on the screen and a lightbulb went off in my head!

Amanda, I have never met you. The closest I can get is one of my besties claimed you dated a friend of hers at SBU. Yeah, not very close (and maybe not even true). But, I believe I was directed over here by reading Kelly's Korner. I am a 25 year old married Christian who loves to read blogs about Christian mommies. I hope to someday be a mommy so I love to read about other moms and how they make it work. Thanks for sharing your life and your struggles! Jess

I read your blog pretty much everyday but I don't think I have ever met you and I have never commented before. I went to Texas A&M and graduated in 2003 so maybe we ran into each other there, but never knew it. Such a big place! I have a 2.5 year old little girl and so I totally understand what you say when you talk about your little boy! I enjoy your blog and think it's wonderful how you are so real about your life.

No, we don't know each other.No, we've not met.No, we don't have a mutual friend.Yes, we have something in common. We're oldest children, raised in Christian homes, we both have a younger sister named Melissa, and our lives revolve around two things: God and a very close family!

No to 1, 2, and 3. I do have a 3.5 yr old boy- has yours been to the ER yet? Thankfully, they were able to glue mine back together. Our youngest daughter has a pink bib like Annabeth's, too. I know- something like that really seals a friendship huh?! :)

We were on the same team at Breakaway for a semester I think...I switched teams (volunteer) mid-year. Becky was our leader. Obviously that means I'm an Aggie :) I also lived with KJ Green in college, I think you know her from church. Wish our paths had crossed more in school I think you're a hoot!

We have met, but only briefly in San Antonio. Don't you remember me? I'm sure I stood out amongst the thousands who were also there. ;)

We actually have several of friends in common. Sophie, Melanie, Rich (who I don't know, but we have a mutual friend between us, so technically that leads back to you, right?), Shelley, Pam Case, Paige Greene, Lindsee, Abby...um, I'm sure there are more....

We have children similar in age - Mine are 8, 4, & 2 and many of Jackson's stories are SO FAMILIAR to my own family. They would have fun playing together.

I also paint and would be glad to make Annabeth's letters to match Jackson's. And I promise not to leave you hanging.... :)

You have no idea who I am, and I don't know anyone who does know you :) A friend randomly e-mailed your blog to me because she thought I would love it. And I do! What do we have in common? I have a daughter just a couple months older than Annabeth; I want a second daughter named Anabel, which is kinda close to Annabeth; I was born in Texas; and I love the Lord!

I have never met you in person but I love your blog. I have a 6 month old son so I enjoy reading about your daughter. They are often doing some of the same things at the same time...you know how boys tend to do things later than girls. Anyway, I enjoy reding your blog and you are part of the reason I started my own blog!

I don't know you, but we have met...probably more than once. I introduced myself one night at Midlink before Curtis taught. I am sure we have several mutual friends. I went to NWA. Even though I didn't attend church regularly back then I was there a lot. I see you all the time at church, but we are always going separate ways. I have 4 kids I am usually trying to round up or ship off.

Anything in common? Not really - my kids are 13 and 11 and I've only ever flown through the Houston airport. I found your blog through the LPM blog probably a year or so ago. I just love how you write and your Jackson is so much like my Austin at that age!! It brings back a lot of memories.

I met you once in san antonio, before LPL the one where we had the seiesta feista! BTW I know I just spelled that wrong!!! Anyway you have such a sweet presence, diffrent than what I had imagined, not that you were going to be not sweet just diffrent than what I thought!! Hope that makes sense! long day!!

I have never met you personally, but feel like I know you by learning from your mom! =)

Seriously, I found your blog thru a friend when I FIRST start reading blogs. You commented on my blog once and I am pretty sure you could hear the squeal way down yonder in TX from NJ!

I'm raising toddlers too (although, you're lagging behind...could you get on that?) and I've enjoyed the funny stories but even more so...you've encouraged me and challenged me spiritually and motherly SO many times!

I guess the nut really DOESN'T fall far from the tree! =)

Enjoy reading all these comments. I may have to steal the idea. I love it!

No, we dont know each other. No, we've never met. (But I did send you some hairbows for Annabeth a few months ago! So you got mail from me, does that count?!?! ha...) A mutual friend or aquaintance? Well, kind of, maybe...a few months after the sudden death of our son, I had been reading your mom's book 'Praying God's Word' when I got to the chapter on despair... I desperately longed to see a fellow believer who had experienced the same thing whom God had not only brought through it, but had also redeemed it and restored their joy... after reading Alison S.'s testimony that she shared in that chapter, I knew I'd seen (well, read) what I needed...then of course, I wanted to tell her! :) God totally provided when I googled her name and her address was right there... I also wholeheartedly believe that He prompted me to write to her because He had something special in store for me. In my heart I wanted to see with my own eyes a family who was normal after such loss. I wanted so badly to SEE it...I wanted to see that you could have other children and that your life really could be happy again... I wrote to her (however, not mentioning the wanting to 'see' thing), telling her how much her story meant to and touched me, and I told her I didnt expect a reply, but requested that she pray for me... as a mother who'd experienced what I was going through I felt she KNEW WHAT to pray for me...anyway, within days a 6 page handwritten letter came back to me...Guess what else she sent??? A PICTURE of her beautiful, happy, normal family. (I got to "see with my own eyes" exactly what I had so badly wanted to... so in agreeance with the post on the LPM blog about God being in the little details..Amen & Amen...only HE knew that desire of my heart. It's something I hadn't voiced to anyone...You have no idea what all of that meant to me.... long story short, the Shanklins have been such an inspiration to my husband and I... We were even going to get to meet last May in Ft. Lauderdale, but things didnt work out... I hope to meet her in person one day, so I can just hug her! Until I get out to Houston, emails will have to do! :) Anyway, I know your Mom knows her because she says it in the book, and if you know her, too, then I guess we do know a mutual friend/acquaintance... Anything in common? Jesus...we both have sons & my daughter was born Dec. 9th and her name is AnnaBELLE yours is AnnaBETH (which I had never heard until you, but did you see the Spring Kelly's Kids catalog? They had a 'name' shirt that had Annabeth on it! Are you still reading this, becuase it is painfully long... I am extremely LONG winded, because I have to give a 'back story' or history to everything.. sorry! :) I so enjoy your blog! :) Love the 6 degrees thing idea! Have a great night...

I do not know you and I have never met you . Travis Cottrell and I have been friends since high school. I still live in Boone, and was actually the one who put the Appalachian t-shirt in the pink bag for Jackson when "Beth Came to Boone" as my friends and I refer to that awesome weekend. I have 3 children, 14 and 11 year old girls and a 7 year old boy. After many Living Proof events, Beth Moore Bible studies and reading "Feathers From My Nest" 3 times, when I heard of your blog I came to it for inspiration. Raising 2 very different daughters is no piece of cake. Especially in these early teenage/pre-pubescent years. Stories of your youth and how your mom dealt with issues I face today as a Christian mom have been a great comfort and inspiration. Keep on keeping it real Amanda. You are a blessing to all who read of your experiences in parenting and marriage and being a daughter, sister and friend. Hope to meet you someday.Much love to you and your precious family.

I love this idea!! My answers to the first three are "No" but we have LOTS in common! I have a 4-year-old little boy and a 2-month old baby girl, so our motherhood journeys and experiences are very similar. We both love Jesus. We both have husbands that play and love fantasy football. We both have sisters and mothers that are our best friends. There are lots more, too. I rarely read a post where I'm not like "me,too!!!"Have a great day, Amanda!

We don't know each other and we haven't met in person, but Missy Barfuss is my sister in law (I'm married to her brother.)I'm pretty sure I just linked to your blog one day from hers - your blog name was so cute and caught my attn.

I love your honesty and humor, how you describe motherhood and of course reading about all your adventures with your kids. The way you describe your son and how energetic and full of life he is - completely reminds me of my daughter Brooklynn - and she's not even 21 months old yet - she is definitely giving us a run for our money already. I can totally relate to so much of what you say.

NoNoNoYes - I have a little boy & girl too (boy is oldest). My daughter's name is Anna and is just about the same age as Jackson. I think we are the same age too, and I went to A&M (but only for grad school).

I can't remember if we ever met or not. In college, I was friends with Maggie Dolan and I think you lived with her. I'm also really good friends with Jennifer Hamm. I went to Grace, was in Phi Lamb and went to Breakaway. So, I'm sure our paths have crossed at one time. I was also friends with Michelle Parazzo in College and love reading about her on the LPM blog. I can't remember how I found your blog but love reading it. I have a 10 week little boy and wonder if he will turn out to be energetic like Jackson. Thanks for being real. I do think of your when I'm doing the middle of the night feeding and wonder when the day will come that he'll sleep through the night. :) Thanks for challenging me in my walk with the Lord. I'm trying to find a routine that works for my quiet times and being a mommy. I'm a routine person so hopefully I'll get it all figured out soon...just in time for it to change again, I'm sure. Blessings to you!

What fun! We don't know each other & have never met. We don't have a mutual friend, although I feel like I know your mom through her bible study videos :)

I have 2 boys - the oldest around Jackson's age...and I can SO relate to many of your experiences. I also have a newborn baby girl, whom I'm having fun dressing in all the pretty girl stuff. And, sadly, I can relate to your last post about breastmilk poops! I really enjoy your blog & how real you keep it! Thanks for allowing me a glimpse into your life :)

don't know you, never met...think i've commented, but can't be sure. our children have the same amount of time between them & are big bro, lil sis. i'm sure we have more in common, but that's all i've got for now!

I'm sad to say we've never met in person, but I faithfully read your blog because I'm also a mommy (girl, boy, and one on the way) and love Jesus, and because I totally dig your style. I have a weakness for Mexican food like you do, and I adore your furniture (what little of it I've seen in pics). Oh, and I LOVE your hair. Baby bangs and all. I'm gonna get 'em myself come March, so there's another bonding variable! :)

Confession time... I found this blog because of the LPM one but most times I'm here I forget you're you-know-who's daughter. As much as I think we all love your mama, I can personally say I love you for YOU! You rock, Mama!

Yes - we actually know each other. I taught high school girls Sunday School with you and Curtis were at First Irving...I babysat your precious baby boy many times...you helped serve cake at my wedding...we played Bunco together...and I'm sure there are many more ways we're connected!!!!!

Amanda, I've never met you, but we have a couple of random (albeit weak)connections. I just posted a comment on the LPM blog in which I let you know that my husband and I live in the Houston area and attended the Water's Edge Sunday School Class from 2003-2006, so we've heard a lot about the Jones family over the years and prayed for you at various times. We have a Springfield, MO connection too! My husband grew up on the mission field in Indonesia, but when the family was back in the states they lived in Springfield, MO. He actually graduated in 1998 from a private Christian School there. His parents still have a home there and when they are in the states for the holidays that's where we go. We were there this last Christmas and I kept my eyes peeled for you but we didn't cross paths. Another random connection, and really this is a stretch, the first time that I heard your mother speak at HFBC she mentioned that her daughter Amanda was getting married on June 15th, which is my mom's birthday, so you always come to mind around that time. Lastly, our last name is Moore, but I'm pretty sure we're not related.

I do not know you, and I have never met you...and we have no mutual friends...and worse than that, I have been reading your blog for a while and have never commented...I know, I know I am totally a "stalker"! lol!

Please forgive me! I just cannot help myself! I love reading stories about other women and their lives and I love being encouraged by godly women that I have or, as in your case, have not met that love the Lord and live that love out in their daily lives.

I do like to believe that we would be friends if we ever did meet. We are around the same age (not sure exactly how close, but I graduated from college in 01)and both grew up during that awkward 80's period of big hair and leg warmers, and I too wore the plastic shorts and spandex (although, I cannot believe that I am admitting that!)

I do not have any children, but hope that when I do that I will have as many fun stories to tell about/to them as you do.

I cannot remember where I first stumbled across your blog, but I think that it was probably Kelly's Korner...and I have been reading it faithfully for a couple of months now!

I don't know you...don't live in Texas and am very close to your mom's age. I think I clicked onto your blog from the LPM blog originally when you mentioned living in England. I have spent the last six years there and am now back in the US.

I love reading blogs of moms with little ones...there is something very sweet there that takes me back to my own girls toddler days and reminds me of how fleeting and how precious time really is. I have a heart for moms of little ones and your writing is real so I enjoy that.

My baby girls are now 19 and 21 and I never get tired of hearing about little girls.

Yes, we know each other! We worked with the Discipleship team at Breakaway in '01 and '02. We are also mutual friends with Becky. I've absolutely loved catching up on all the time and life we've lived since then!

I have never offically met you, but I am friends with Jenn Hamm. We lived around the corner from her until a little over a year ago. We also went to HFBC. Jenn wanted us to meet before we moved because Jackson and my duaghter are about the same age. We were also in the same big group at MOPS together last year. I would love to meet you. Maybe we will meet sometime soon at Nathan's birthday party or something. :)

We have never meant, I found your blog through "it's almost naptime". Can't even remember where I found that blog. I am a big fan of your mom's, I have done several of her bible studies and some friends and I attended the Living Proof Live Event last August in San Antonio. I love in Dallas and have 3 kids, a daughter who is 13 and 2 sons (5 and 3).

I really enjoy reading your blog. My blog is www.alexmatthewandryan.blogspot.com (if you get a chance to check it out).

We've never met, but I've attended lots of your mom's Tuesday night Bible studies. And I use to occasionally attend her Sunday school class at First. I've seen you at MetroLive, but I thought it would have been weird to walk up and say "I read your blog!" :)

My best friend is a youth intern at First this summer and for one of her trainings she went to the LPM office and met your mom, you, and your family. I about fell over when she told me - I think that would have been so fun!

Never met... Found your blog about two years ago I think... I believe I connected to you through BooMama, or someone else. Almost had a chance to meet you at the Fiesta, but ended up not being able to attend.

I have 3 boys, and I can relate to many of your stories about Jackson... I can say, been there..done that :)

One of my favorite things is how you journal about your walk with the Lord, and how you seek after the deep things of this life with God.

I have never actually met you in real life. I spent my high school days at Spring Woods Baptist Church, which I think is where you went when you were really little. I also have been going to your mom's Bible study since I came home from college in 2002. You got married about 6 months after I did, so it was fun to hear all about your newlywed stuff because I was going through it too. Then my daughter was born about 2 months before Jackson, so again, going through the same stuff at the same time. Now I am pregnant with my second and due in February, so will go through the same Houston season of weather as you did with Annabeth!

I love reading your blog Amanda! We've never met and we don't have any friends in common. I stumbled onto the LPM blog almost 2 years ago and have loved reading there. Then I found yours through the Love Well blog. After doing one of your mom's studies I got to hear here speak in San Diego shortly after you were married. She spoke that weekend on us being the bride of Christ and referenced your recent wedding. It was the first I "knew" of you. I had been married for about 5 years at that time, and began to pray for you as I remembered those early adjustment years of marriage and just how hard they could be. I also asked the Lord that if it was his will that I could meet you one day. Finding the LPM blog and then yours was an answer to that long ago prayer for me. Now I know how to more specifically pray for you and your family!

I don't actually know you, but after keeping up with your family for a while now, I feel pretty close! I found your blog through Sherry @ Our Life Out Here. I think you may know her from college ... Love reading your posts - thanks for inviting us all in!

We've never met and I don't personally know any of your friends or family. To my knowledge, of course.

What do we have in common? A three year old boy. Baby girls. (Mine's about eight months old). And baby bangs. Ugh.

Also, I secretly want to live in Texas. But the heat/humidity and spiders would kill me! But my maternal grandmother was from Texas, so I think that's why I have a soft spot in my heart for Texans. Seattle people are just not as interesting. :) Self included!

I also don't know you personally but follow your blog because it is so encouraging to hear about 'daily life' in a godly woman's perspective (and your family is so darn adorable!) I'm a first time mom of a 6 week old baby girl so any connection to the outside world right now is refreshing!

We don't know each other at all, but I'm a Siesta and found your blog via the LPM blog (I think). But, we do have something in common...shh...I'm about to reveal a very big secret...we have the same name!! :) And it rocks, I might add. Love your blog, Amanda!

I found your blog when I was pregnant with my son, Fischer. You were pregnant with Annabeth at the time. Fischer was born in April, so I would check your blog often so I would know what to look forward to. I've been hooked ever since!

We have never met, but I found your blog through Alana Bethea's blog. She is one of my friends. My husband and I also were members of FBH before we moved to The Woodlands. We did the newlywood class there as well. I am due to give birth in one week from today to a little boy, so that is something we have in common. My blog is www.blaschkefamily.blogspot.com

1.I don't actually know you. I feel like I know you and Melissa through your sweet Mama, whom I actually don't know either. 2. We have never met. 3. I don't think we have any mutual friends or acquaintances.4. The only common thread we share is a love for your Mother and the only person we actually probably have in common is our friend, Jesus.

You got me. I'll delurk. The only connection we have is that I kept getting your mail (remember?). Seemed to have been a mix up with a publishing company. I found you through Marla and I'm enjoying your blog!

We had the same due date for our girls, except for Annabeth was early and my Ivie was late. I found your blog on Kelly's Korner right around the time our girls were born and I was so jealous when she came early! Our girls are very similar in many ways, and it's just fun to read your thoughts since you are one step ahead.

I was roommates with Alicia Divers and met you a couple of times! I like to visit your blog because it's fun, funny, and often informative. Thanks for always being honest about life and what the Lord's doing.

I am cracking up right now because example 2 on "have we met before" is me! Ha! I'm the one that's sorry. I was asking you super personal questions while you were going to the bathroom! I think I was just star-struck. I felt like an idiot afterwards.

So anyway, I think we know some of the same people. Lindsee is one of my bffs, I just recently met Sunni in Waco, and I know Annalee!

I am still cracking up about example 2. Sorry again. I love reading your blog-I've just always felt awkward about leaving a comment-until now!

Thanks for being open and honest on your blog, Amanda. I admire your realness.

We have met. I had my picture taken with you in San Antonio at the Siesta Fiesta, when you were gracious enough to come and hang out with a few of us. We were both pregnant at the time.I had my sweet baby girl, JennaBeth in February. I also have a little boy Jackson's age. His name is Bentley.I visit your blog daily and sometimes comment. I have actually started my own blog, much inspired by yours!

HI, I've never met you, but I love your blog! I found you through Kelly's Korner. We also have a mutual friend, Heather at Step Inside. Well, actually, you know her in person and I am only a bloggy friend! :) I love hearing your stories of your kids and look forward to having my own soon! Thanks for being a positive role model and for being so real.

No, there isn't anyone that I know you know - although another blog friend and I stumbled upon each other on facebook and discovered that I had gone to college with her ex-boyfriend.

While I do have six children, my youngest two are just a little bit older than yours. Your posts often encourage me that I am not the only one dealing with the frustrations and mommy-guilts while at the same time gushing over and enjoying them. I am a mom of older children, but still involved with MOPS and your posts also help me remember what that stage of life is like - without older children to help.

I love your honesty and humor - you are real...and so many of us that don't KNOW you, feel like we "know" you! :-)

Hey Amanda! Though I don't "know" you personally, I did have the opportunity to meet you last summer at the LPL in San Antonio, before the Siesta Fiesta. I have enjoyed your blog and the LPM blog for years now, and do have much in common with you: My husband is a pastor (so we are in the ministry, as ya'll are!), I have 2 children (1 boy and 1 girl, like you, though mine are the same age - twins!), and I grew baby bangs too! I love reading about your love for Jesus, His people, and your children.

I finally met you in person at the Girls Night Out in Houston in January. But I was at the Siesta Fiesta in San Antonio last summer. And I know and absolutely love your mom (and knew your grandparents too! They were adorable!) from when I was in high school and she was in college and we were at SWBC together. (We also had the same stupendous English teacher at NHS - Naomi F.) When your folks got married it was the closest thing to a royal wedding our little church had ever seen! (And I lived right around the corner from the John Moore Plumbing on Campbell!)

And the other thing I have in common with you is that I have 2 kids - a boy and girl, 2 years apart. Only mine are teenagers now! Sigh.

I don't know you personally but I saw you from a couple rows away at the Deeper Still in Atl last year. We made eye contact and I waved at you. You waved back, even though you didn't know me.:) I wanted to run up and hug your neck because after reading your blog I feel like you are one of my closest friends. But, I never got the chance. Maybe at the Scripture Memory party!!

Things we have in common: our moms are our dearest and closest friend. Both grew up in a christian home. I'm not pregnant yet but I take encouragement to the fact that you said were never "maternal" but an incredible mom now that you are a mom! :) Hope that makes sense... We both adore Anthropologie and Banana Republic and Pottery Barn. And I buy the same shirt in different colors if I like it all the time and then seem to regret it later!! So true...

I've never met you before, but we have friends who are friends, does that count? LOL My friend/coworker/associate pastor Steve is friends with your friend Lauren Chandler. That's actually how I stumbled onto your blog one day and I've been reading it ever since. We also have the little boy factor in common. My son is 6 months older than Jackson and they are SO similar. I met your mom once in the foyer at HFBC and she and I compared notes on my son and Jackson. :)

This is a fun post...you're seeing a lot of people come out of the woodwork! :) My neighbor, Leah, is a friend of one of your friends from A&M and Leah told me about your blog about 2 years ago.

We've never met, but I'm going to go out on a limb (and probably either scare you away or come across as Hugh Grant's loony sister in the movie "Notting Hill" who was infatuated with Julia Robert's character) by saying, if we were to meet, I can just imagine that we'd be best friends. :) :)

Whether or not I express it in a comment or email, I can usually always relate to something you write on your blog. It could have been a trivial little fun happenin' or something "deep". I'm always uplifted by the fun things you write and encouraged by the workings of the Spirit in your life that you share. I love your blog and I love your heart for Jesus and your family. So I hope to meet you one day...and hope to not scare you away! :)

I don't know you at all, but your mom did a simulcast in our area that I attended (Wichita, KS). Anyway, your mom told us about your impending pregnancy (w/ Annabeth) and our due dates were fairly close. (I had my daughter on Feb. 15th). I stumbled upon your blog through Kelly's Korner (b/c of the clever title...I love reading other mom's blogs) and read your birth story and realized you were the daughter Beth Moore was talking about...just one of those six degree things that I thought was so neat! Cool idea!

No, we have never met. I actually live in North Carlina. I came accross your blog and thought the name was cute...it was about a month later that I made the connection that you are Beth Moore's daughter and I read the LPM blog on a regular basis! HA

Here is what we do have in common. I'm a mom, my daughter is 22 months old and I am 8 months prego with my second little girl! I am also in ministry.

We did a small group Bible study together one summer during college. I also attended your mom's Sunday School class for a few years. But we probably know each other best from the blogs. We gave each other baby fever, after all.

We don't know each other, I came across your blog through the virtuealert blog. I understood the baby bangs name immediately, having just had a baby myself! I found out later that you were Beth's daughter! (I know her only through her Bible studies and books!)

I love your blog, but rarely comment (I was the one who suggested calling naps "rest time" - isn't it the greatest thing?? Still works on my 5-year-old!!). I'll try to be better about commenting, lol!

We have never met, and I actually just commented for the first time the other day. Found you through Kelly's Korner, but quickly realized you must be something special because you know some pretty awesome friends of mine from Waco- John Durham and Charlie (AKA Chuck) Walker. Love your blog!

1. I feel like we know each other, but I'm going to have to admit that we don't really since we haven't done each other's hair yet, after all. (That's when you REALLY know somebody.)

I was reading through how people found your blog and realized that I don't think I've ever told you this before: I read your blog for a long time before I knew "whose" you were. You posted a picture of your mom and I remember thinking "My goodness, that girl's mom looks just like ---- -----!" It took me awhile to get it. What a dork, right?

2. We most certainly have met and thinking about it just now totally made me grin. That was so much fun!

3. No, don't think so...

4. I like to think little Miss Annabeth and I have something in common given our names. :)

I am one of many, I'm sure, who's convinced I know you because you're Beth Moore's daughter ~ DUH!! ~ and I'd even squeal like a little girl if I ever did see you in person, run up and want to give you a huge hug!! . . . . only for you to remind me that you have no earthly clue who I am. And while I would love love love the opportunity to meet you, your family, and your momma someday, your blogs keep me on the up-n-up, and that's just fine! I'm just one of many women who admires you, girl!!

We met briefly at Deeper Still in Atlanta last year. :)(I totally stepped out of my comfort zone to say hello, because you were sitting just a few feet from me).

I enjoy reading your blog and a few others, and comment here and there... I'd SO love to have my own to write about things, but just haven't sat down to start it yet!

We have several things in common...

~every story you tell I relate to in my memory (my son and daughter are the same years apart, but about 8 years older than yours). I smile and laugh and reminisce through your stories and insights. If I could turn back time, I'd love to have recorded my memories with Jordan and Emily the way you're doing now. What a precious gift for them when they're older.

~ I'm the oldest of two daughters, the same age difference as you and Melissa. We're 10 yrs older I think, since I just had my 20th high school reunion, and I think you wrote recently about having your 10th. My personality seems alot like yours (firstborn thing?) according to how your mom talks about y'all.

~Your mom has published Bible studies and books, and my dad has published Bible games and books.

~your husband and mom are in the ministry, and my father-in-law and grandfather were in the ministry (they're in Heaven now)

~Lastly, we have lots of military men in our family (including my husband). I believe your family has lots of military background too.

After a loooong day at Disney with my sister and our combined 6 children -- I'm headed to bed now!Seriously, who does Disney in JULY?!(I can't wait to get home to ATL where we at least have a little less humdity!) :)

I honestly cannot remember how I found your blog (???) but I am glad I did. I think the first time I read one of your posts was when you were talking about starting back exercising post-baby. Haha! It was so real, and I loved it...hooked! :o) I am from Atlanta (-ish), Georgia, I'm a Christian, and I have two children - Amelia Kate (age 2) and Jack (age 13 weeks). I have somehow mastered nursing and using both hands to type -TADA!!! Nice to "meet" you!

though we've never met, and i don't know you personally there are a few things we have in common:

baby girl born a couple weeks after yours, friends with kristi and chuck walker whom you knew from texas. i also hail from the woodlands and am kicking myself for never going to watch your mom teach live while i had the chance (i now live in nc). i also have a friend who went to moody and knew your sis! oh, and our kiddos seem to have the same spoons for eating (and we also started with oatmeal though i think it hurts her tummy...boo)

We have never met in person, but I started reading your blog when I was pregnant with my son, Jack. He was born in May this year. I enjoyed reading all of your stories of having Annabeth and how Jackson was dealing with it, etc. Jack is my first baby, so I was reading lots of blogs by moms. Yours is one of the three that I still read all the time! Thanks for sharing your life with us!

I found your blog through a friends blog when Jackson was just a little guy. I also have a little boy who is a lot like your little Mister. I have twin girls who are sixteen months old and when you found out you were expecting the second time, I just knew Annabeth was a girl. Gotta love the internet intuition. Maybe it's a spiritual gift? Hahahaha. Then again, maybe not. Anyhow, lerve your blog.

Never met, but enjoy reading your blog! My oldest daughter is 3 1/2(loves to be nekked, has a TON of energy, def keeps us on our toes :-}) and a nursing 11 month old (very laid back, and all in all and awesome baby). My husband is a full time minister, as well. I think it's fun to see how your life is so similar to mine. Also, I am encouraged by your walk with the Lord. I hope that we will get to meet someday! I feel like I already know you!

One of my friends reads your blog religiously (she, too, has baby bangs but I was far from understanding what they were) and I found you on her blogroll. Perplexed, I read and reread your "About Me" on my first visit. I don't have kids yet and I needed a visual of these baby bangs. Then I remembered. Several years ago when Katie Holmes married Tom Cruise I had wondered what was up with her hairline!

I've never met you. I came to your blog from Travis Cottrell's blog. I have done some of your mom's studies and love the stories she tells about your family. I am from Boone and know some of the Cottrell's, but don't know Travis. Thanks for letting people that you don't know (like me) read your blog!

Hi-We have never met and I honestly have NO idea how I came across your blog...No idea. Weird I know. I've been reading your blog for a while now bc we have kids the same age. My Jackson, will be 3 August 19th, and Sophie is 9 months. I always thought your blog was funny and then about 3 months ago I realized when you announced AnnaBeth's name that you were Beth Moore's daughter. I about died. I could not believe it. Well, I enjoy your blog and you can check ours out at mirzafamilylife.blogspot.com. Although, I am a TERRIBLE updater!!

We have never met and I think I started following your blog from Amy Beth's. I am about your age and I also have 2 little ones almost 3 and 1 (both boys with another baby due in Jan) and I am also married to a minister who is from Springfield. I don't know if Curtis would know him. Shane went to CSOS in high school graduated in 97. We were in youth ministry for 7 years (in MO, TX, and AR) and now live in Central NY as church planters with NAMB. Love reading your blog it makes you 'feel' like you know people even when you've never met. I also love Mexican food but you can't really find that up here in NY. I'm a little jealous. www.kennardfamilyweb.com

We have "southern" in common. I can tell just by the way you type that we talk the same way with a southern drawl. I'm not sure whose would be worse...your Texas or my Arkansas!! Either way, we're both southern girls!!

And I also have a deep, sincere, earthmoving love for my husband and kids...which I can see you also do too!!!

Been to quite a few of Beth's tapings at LOI when I lived in FW & met Jackson there---ha. One time I invited Holly to fly down for LOI & stay with me. You came up to the studio to see Holly but had to leave at Jackson's request---smile. Near miss meeting. Was at San Antonio Siesta's thing. Stood by you and a few other 100---another near miss. My good siesta friends are Annette, Abby, Holly, Kim, Jenny, and more! All cause of you starting that LPM blog thing!!! Acquaintances: I was on staff at FBC Houston decades ago. I left/Beth came--near miss. My mentor was Marge Caldwell. My other mentor was Elisabeth Elliot. My Aggie daughter Brooke was a Phi Lamb pres and knows Jen and Michelle. You commented 3 words to me when I started radiation that was like Isaiah 51:16 to me---God put His Words in your mouth & He covered me with His Hand. Thanks Amanda for walking alongside us all in a surreal blogworld where you invite us into a look at your beautiful journey with Him.

Been to quite a few of Beth's tapings at LOI when I lived in FW & met Jackson there---ha. One time I invited Holly to fly down for LOI & stay with me. You came up to the studio to see Holly but had to leave at Jackson's request---smile. Near miss meeting. Was at San Antonio Siesta's thing. Stood by you and a few other 100---another near miss. My good siesta friends are Annette, Abby, Holly, Kim, Jenny, and more! All cause of you starting that LPM blog thing!!! Acquaintances: I was on staff at FBC Houston decades ago. I left/Beth came--near miss. My mentor was Marge Caldwell. My other mentor was Elisabeth Elliot. My Aggie daughter Brooke was a Phi Lamb pres and knows Jen and Michelle. You commented 3 words to me when I started radiation that was like Isaiah 51:16 to me---God put His Words in your mouth & He covered me with His Hand. Thanks Amanda for walking alongside us all in a surreal blogworld where you invite us into a look at your beautiful journey with Him.

We have never met. I feel like I know your family through the LPM blog though. I have been reading that for a long time. I was at the Siesta Fiesta in San An (I was pregnant there just like you were!) and heard Bigmama and Boomama talk...starting reading their blogs and then found yours! I am new to blogging and am having the best time!

I have met you. The first time was awkwardly in line to figure out where our children go for child care. And I blurted out "I read your blog!" Do you remember that? I kind of hoped you had forgotten. I'm glad to count you as a friend.

No, we don't know each other and we've never met. We do have a mutual friend...Bonny. I found you through her blog and have enjoyed reading your blog nearly every day...even though I'm just a lurker (this is my first time to post!) I know Bonny from church, MOPS, and scrapbooking...she's a sweet friend that I don't get to hang out with nearly enough!! We also have quite a few things in common...Aggies, a love for Jesus, Mexican food, first born son, second born daughter, and I have family in Springfield, MO and spent many summer days there. Love your blog and your approach to life!!

I've never met you, but feel like I know you and your family! :) I love the blog world! My husband is in ministry, so we've got that in common, and I have 2 little boys who love to be naked and even sing a song about it while they are, and a baby girl who is 10 months old! I think we would be friends if we lived next door, unfortunately, we live across Texas from you - in Abilene! Have a great rest of your week!

hi amanda- great idea for a post :) i don't know you but i met you in person at deeper still in atlanta last year. i was incredibly nervous meeting you, janelle, bigmama and boomama. i just walked right up to where you were sitting- sorry to completely bother you out of the blue! my sister was pregnant and not feeling well and couldn't come to atlanta with me--- she couldn't believe it when i told her i had met you and shaken your hand :) we don't have a mutual friend or acquaintance that i know of, although i do have a lot of family in texas... my sister and i read your blog and we love that you share your struggles and what you have learned from them.

Nope to the first three but I swear our families are so similar it's crazy! We always eat King Ranch chicken when have people over or taking meals to people. We always have Sopailla Cheesecake at showers and Sunday School breakfasts. I have a sister two years younger that we are so opposite yet so close it's wonderful. My mom is seriously my best friend, the funniest lady I know and has taught me so much about Christ and His love that I feel blessed I get to call her mom. I have two kiddos: A boy 2 years old and a girl almost 1. Craziness and unbelievable love all at the same time. And we are fellow Texans! I am in Corpus Christi so heat, humidity and hurricanes are the norm for us too.

We have never met in person only online via the blog. Your mom has talked about you in her Bible study videos since the original "A Woman's Heart" when you were a much younger child (& so was your mom LOL). Our study group of women continues to meet and the women frequently ask what happened to Michael. We all thank you for making the family of Christ a reality.

I met you at the Siesta Fiesta and you were so sweet to have your picture taken with me....and 5000 other ladies! :)

http://kachoo5.blogspot.com/2008/08/siesta-fiesta-baby.html

If you want to put a face with a name, there's the link.

I was also the one who sent the comment about my daughter singing "He is a Sausage" instead of "He is Exhalted" when your mom was asking for funny kids stories to use as examples for a study she was working on.

1. We don't "know each other" know each other, but we have met a few times.

2. Yes, we have met! A few times at church. The first time we met was years ago after a "By the Tree" performance and you joined the band for dinner at Chili's. Lindsee Lou and I were there!

3. We have a few mutual friends. Lindsee Lou. I sing in the gathering singers at church...I also teach the preschool choir with Star. Also, my aunt Brenda Collins has been friends with your mom for years....back in the Bear Creek days.

I've been to the Siesta fiesta and got the DVD from you mom for having my anniversary during the event...Melissa laughed because it was the wising up your mom did on..."sex" she laughed so hard...it was cute and funny!

We have never met. We actually know several of the same people (Janelle, Kristin L., and some others from the DFW area). I also have a very high energy seventeen month old little boy, so we have that in common. :) You are also on my list of links I like on my blog.

No, unfortunately we don't know each other and we have never met, but I love your Mom (and really enjoy your blog!) and have done most of her studies. I am a regular siesta poster and have kept up with the scripture memorization! I am leading the Me, Myself, and Lies bible study in my home for ladies in my Sunday School class. I would love to meet you IRL someday! I don't comment hardly ever on here, but I read your blog regularly.

Duh! We go way way way back...Technically to elementary school and living on the same street though we weren't friends until about 15 years ago (WOW). You are the greatest and I wish I could see you more often--Seriously might be in Houston next month- will give you a call if that happens:)

I am just a blog follower, I found your link on Kelly's Korner and enjoyed reading about your pregnancy with Annabeth when I was pregnant with my #2 who came in March. I had also been reading the LPM blog and one day I read the same post on both blogs and was so confused...then I figured out the connection! I always love the pictures of your sweet family!

Well, no, we've never met...I found your blog from BooMama's and then quickly realized you were Beth's daugher (love your mom). We both have 2 young children and love Jesus. LOVE reading! You are so real and truly hilarious!

Nope, we don't know each other. I'm just a total blog stalker-- not even sure how I came across yours:) I've been reading your blog for a few months now. I have a 2 1/2 year old boy and a 4 month old baby boy. I certainly relate in a lot of ways to your posts. And this is totally the first time I've ever commented on a blog that wasn't actually one of my friends... I'm a little embarrassed. Ha!

This is FUN!1. I only "know" you through your blog that I happened upon 3 yrs ago after linking to it from Shelly Griffin's blog :)2. We met in ATL Deeper Still a few yrs ago and then again last Aug in San Ant :) - you are precious3. We have a whole bunch of mutual Siesta friends - hehe4. lots in common with you which is what keeps me coming back to your blog - I love reading about your little ones and your life - it reminds me that life goes by so fastI feel like I was where you are just yesterday - *sigh*Much loveKim

We have never met, but I really enjoy your blog! I have a 2 year old daughter and a daughter who is, I think, one day older than Annabeth (Selah was born on 2/2/09)...so I of course love reading the similarities! Oh, and I love your mother, although not as much as you do, I'm sure :o)

No..we don't know each other and no we've never met, and no we don't have a mutual friend or acquaintance. Yes, we do have a few things in common. You have a little boy who is 3 years old born in Feb. and I have a nephew who is 3 years old born in March of 2006. Your Annabeth is 5 months younger than my niece Kensley. We are around the same age and we both love and learn many life lessons from a certain woman named Beth Moore (you in person...me through video!)I found your blog last summer shortly after finding the LPM blog and I have loved it so much! You are an awesome sister in the Lord and I enjoy hearing about your life! I also love that you have a love for photography!

Bethany in Ca.

Ps. I did send you some pink John Deere boots for Annabeth when she was first born...does that connect us?? :)

I am a lurker; we have never met in person. I found your blog via Rocks in My Dryer or Big Mama or BooMama or Antique Mommy - can't remember which. I've stuck around for lots of reasons, but I've really enjoyed hearing about your kids - I have a 4 year old boy and a 1.5 year old girl.

Yes! You taught my very first Beth Moore Bible Study at FBI. :) And I want you to know that God used that Bible Study time with you and the other girls to truly shape me. I'm so thankful that you chose to pour into us. You and Curtis blessed Michael and me TONS!

No don't really know you-but I have met you kind of-last August in San Antonio I was at LPL and you and Melissa were there and me and some friend saw you both walk by and so we grabbed a camera and took some pictures with you.I feel like I know you through this blog and from Living Proof's blog and of course through your mom's bible studies etc.Just a few weeks ago went to LPL in Albuquerque and afterwards saw you mom at lunch and we were blessed to get a picture with her and our group. Oh---before the San Antonio conference we had attended the leadership conference and got a photo with Travis. So this past year has truly been a blessing for me ...all I need now is a photo with your dad in it!!!!Blessings,Jennifer

No, we've never met (I live in KC), but I tell people all the time that we would be BFF if we knew each other. I have 2 girls (3 1/2, and 18 mo)....so I'm right there with ya. And I think we have the same sense of humor. And my mother in law would soooo be BFF with your mom.. We're really going to have a lot of fun in heaven. Anyway, basically I'm just trying to tell you that I'm really cool and we would have a lot of fun together :)

No, we don't know each other and we've never met...BUT, I have an odd, third party removed scenario that involves us knowing the same people?? My friend Holly's husband, Mike Shelton, was friends with your husband's college roommate? Sound possible? Don't know the roommate's name, but that's how the story goes :)

What do we have in common? Well, we both just had baby girls (my first, Ava, in april) and I'm also married to a pastor (a junior high pastor). I share your same (former) love of People magazine and also grew up loving Boyz II Men. Yep, I just admitted both of those things to all these people! Seriously, I really do love your blog. You are so genuine and honest and I appreciate your sense of humor, especially when it comes to raising kids! I relate to you in many ways, but I'm also thankful for you. You are a blog I love to visit when I need a smile :) Thanks!

We also have a golden retriever for what it's worth :) I'm sure we share the common bond of dog hair everywhere!

we met in sunday school, gosh, about a year and a half ago! but we also were at A&M at the same time, even though we didn't know each other, and you also went to high school with my husband and your sister was friends with my brother-in-law. ha! and our little princesses are only about 3 weeks apart!

Also, I live in Branson, MO, and grew up just outside of Springfield, MO. I went to college at MSU, and by accident one time realized that your husbands cousin (?) also goes there! We commented back and forth on each others blogs for a bit. Definitely one of those "it's a small world!" moments. So whenever you mention coming to MO, I get a little kick out of it!

Let me know if you're ever coming to Branson, I'd love to meet you in person!

Well, depends on what you mean by "know each other". We know who each other are! And it was so kind of you to ask me about my wedding that night I worked in Annabeth's room. When I make my rounds to check on the kids' rooms, I take a little extra time to gaze at Annabeth and her beautiful, gorgeous face. Seriously, I could stare at her forever. So perfect. And I love making a pitstop in Jackson's room, what a riot. Especially when they've taken a trip to that little indoor playgroud down the hall. Man, how I love to hear "I'm a SUperhero!" repeated over and over with all the jumps and kicks and special moves that go along with it. Again, I could stay there forever just listening and watching. And laughing, of course. I hope one day soon Jackson can be in my Sunday morning class! That would just MAKE our Sunday mornings!

I do know you, Amanda. I went to First Irving with you and Curtis and was one of your college students, even though I was only a year younger than both of you. :) I started reading your blog when I went overseas because you updated it more than most and I've kept up ever since. - Allison James

I don't know you. Would love to meet you. I wanted to stalk Disney when you were here but knew that would NOT be cool, so I stayed home. :-) No really, wouldn't it have been cool if I had run into you at Disney?!We have a few things in common, one boy and one girl. I have a sister (she's older though) and my husband is incredibly intelligent (like yours). I love to blog and read blogs too.I too have baby bangs and that is how I found your blog, clicking around and saw the name Baby Bangs and I thought, that's what I have and it's all down hill from there. I'm now sporting my grown out 3" baby bangs.

I first "met" you through your Mother's tales of you and Melissa... and then I met you when you commented on my daughter's blog and then in the flesh at your church last November. I met you as an answer to prayer - a very special friend for my daughter. I read your blog and sometimes get glimpses into her life too! Thank you for your openness, honesty, and great trust in the Lord. I hope to see you again in January for the Siesta Scripture Celebration.Continued blessings to you and yours,Sandy (aka Kristy's mom)

I am a faithful reader of your blog...seldom comment. I don't know you personally, but after doing all of your dear mother's studies, I feel like I know you. I am the same age as your mom, so nothing in common there, but I LOVE the way you write and reading about your darling kiddos and seeing their pictures is a joy. You do have a beautiful family and a beautiful spirit. I love your genuineness and I'm glad you don't mind those of us who peek in. Terry

I can't remember how I found your blog (probably Big Mama or Boo Mama), but I have been reading for maybe year and a half or so. I am also mama to two little ones here on earth, who are 5 and almost 3, as well as a baby boy named Nathan who was born this year the same day as your Annabeth. My Nathan fought a brave battle against a serious heart defect for almost three months before he went to heaven at the beginning of May.

I love your blog as well as the LPM blog- keep us the good work!Best, Sarah

We have never met. I found you through a friend whose husband went to college with your husband. I have a son a few months older than yours and a daughter a year older than yours. My husband is also a youth minister so reading your blogs is like reading from someone that knows all about my own life. Thank you for posting!

I love reading your blog! I am a grad student in NYC. I can't remember how I found your blog exactly, but I am a siesta so I stumbled upon it somehow :) It now holds a strong position on my favorites tab.

Here is something we (kind of) have in common:

A mere few days before I read your "all the single ladies" (of which group I am a part) post in May, I invested in a beautiful glass top table with upholstered chairs. I liked it so much I even thought about how I wanted to keep it when I get married and children. Immediately following setup, I realized I would have to begin budgeting for the Windex said table would require to avoid being constantly bothered by the streaks/smears that are seemingly magnified by this beautiful table. The Lord used your blog to prompt me to pray in advance for the grace to deal with such a table should He entrust a man and a spit-art producing little boy to me in the future (and should I resist parting with such a beautiful home item at that time). I am thankful :)

And on a more serious note, I love the wisdom both your funny and serious stories shed on life as a wife and mother seeking to live in the Lord's ways - thank you!

I was at your amazing, beautiful wedding.... I didn't receive a paper invitation, but Jerrell & Kay snuck us in! I was an FBCH Mission Intern that summer. After your wedding the Lord really laid it on my heart to read more about Jewish traditions :)

Yes, we have met!I have babysat sweet Jackson for you, at your house. hahaha. The first time we met was when I came to babysit for you and on the way to your house, I came across the meanest police officer ever, and he gave me a nasty speeding ticket. So, I showed up on your doorstep in dried up tears, and you and one of your sweet friends hugged my neck and talked me through it. It was great and I will never forget my first ticket. hahaha.

As for a mutual friend, I think its safe to say we have several. Im not gonna lie though, my favorite friend is Jackson, He always gives me the best hugs at church when I see him. :)

We've never met but I love reading your blog. I like your sense of humor. It kind of brightens my day. I love reading about whats going on at the Jones household and love seeing all the cute photos. I found your blog right after Annabeth was born, and I read it regularly though I rarely comment. Your blog is one of my most favorite. I'm close to your mom's age. I love her Bible studies and have done many of them. I'm looking forward to doing Esther. My maiden name is Moore. I'm single and don't have any children. I've worked on the pediatric unit at the hospital and have helped in the childrens' department at church.

So, we've never met, but I "know" Missy @ It's Almost Naptime (as well as you can know someone you've never actually met - does emailing 7 times a day and designing her blog count???)and I think from what she's said she knows you too. So there you go!

I've got one 3 year old girl, and so I love to see what your babies are up to - I can relate so well to what you write about.

This is so fun! I've never met you, but I've read for a long time and learned a lot about Jesus from you. I do know Marla Taviano well, and she speaks so highly of you. I'm not sure how I found your blog. I thought about you when we stayed in Irvine last month. It's a nice place!

We don't know each other at all. I used to listen to your mom on the radio when I was picking up my firstborn from Kindergarten, and later did some of her studies and attended a Living Proof Live event. I found your blog through the LPM blog, and have been reading it for about a year. I am 33, a mother of 2 boys and 2 girls, and I live in California, and I kept reading your blog because I like your writing style and your humor. You have a beatiful family, too! ;-) Blessings to you! ;-)

Hi! I've been reading your blog for quite a while, but I haven't commented because I use the "name/url" field which you have closed probably due to spammers. That's ok! I get it.

My family serves in China. I like to read a few blogs by Mom's living in America because I've never been a Mom in America so I think it's interesting to see how you guys do it.

No, we don't know each other. No, we've never met. I don't know if we have a mutual friend or acquaintance. I have a little boy named Schäfer who is almost 3. I think he and Jackson would have a really good time together!

Several years ago I read your mom's book "Things Pondered" so that was an introduction to you and your family. I'm also a fan of all you Moore's. I follow the LPM Blog and discovered yours. I am also doing the MM&L Bible Study this summer with several other siestas.

I have step-grandbabies (I'm not too much older than you) very close in age to your two. Aydann (2/11/2006 & Jaxon (4/3/2008) so I can relate to your stories. I too am a 1st born with a younger sister. The only family I have in ministry is an Uncle & Aunt (Dave & Darlene Gourley) in Houston, MO (not too far from Springfield) they are traveling evangelists (or were until my Uncle got cancer that he has been fighting).

I met you in November - Margaret Lloyd introduced us in the fajita line for the missions luncheon on the commissioning weekend at FBCH. I told you I followed your blog but didn't have one of my own yet (I've since started one). We were both pregnant but you were a few months ahead and you gave me some great advice. Also, we have in common a battle against celeb gossip - why oh why does it have to be so appealing??

This is fun! We don't really know each other. I've done and led so many of your mom's Bible studies, and they were wonderful. I can't remember how I came across your blog. I think it was a link on someone else's blog. My kids are older. In fact, my oldest just turned 15 today! I have three children, ages 15, 13, and 11 (boy, girl, boy). I enjoy reading your blog because you are so real. :) I had my kids very young and didn't have a network of mommy friends back then like I do now so it's nice to read these mommy blogs and get encouragement and fun ideas. :) And, like I saw someone else say in their comment, the bond of Christ unites us. :)

We've never met and probably won't till heaven. I am a huge fan of that blonder-than-she-pays-to-be lady that you are related to. But I didn't know about your blog till my wonderful friend Missy told me about you one day.Actually I only know Missy through Blogland, but she has been a real mentor (email and phone calls) and friend for me through my IVF struggles and then a joyously successful adoption. I'll be meeting her in January when I come to Houston for a visit.

Holy cow! You have tons of comments on here...Back to the question - I think the first time we met was maybe at my duplex in Aggieland when you came over to visit Maggie one day. We also tore up the dance floor at the BCA formal in Del Lago one year!! Ha! Remember that?!? That seems like ages ago! Another random fact...my husband knew Curtis because he worked in the youth dept. (for a short time) at First while we were dating...we have several mutual friends, surprised we don't run into each other more!

What a fun post...I started leading your mom's Bible studies 10+ years ago in UT...was even blessed to attend an LPL event while living there. Then, due to a job transfer, ended up in Houston, where I began attending HFBC. I was in your mom's S.S. class and attended Tuesday night B.S. AND, I met my husband and was married there, in the sanctuary. (Our guests sat in the choir loft...what a beautiful, intimate, worshipful experience it was.) So, far, nothing in common with you, I know, other than I'm crazy about your mom and was married at HFBC.

So, I have two kiddos, my daughter was two in March and my son is 9 mo. We moved to Fort Worth about the time you were moving back to Houston. And, I was commenting on a blog Angela Stamps writes and saw a post from you...looks like you know her. I taught her older brother, Tim, in Nicaragua 15+ years ago.

I have no idea how I found your blog, maybe through the LPM blog. I truly enjoy how real it is...encourages me to keep my sanity.

We don't know each other and we don't have any mutual friends. I do feel we have some things in common: I had "baby bangs" after my daughter was born, my daughter is a very spirited soon to be 3 year old, we are about the same age and we both have younger sisters who just recently got married. I believe this is my first time to comment...I might to it again!

We've never met before although at the womens retreat last year for the church we both go to, you got coffee right next to me but I was too shy to introduce myself. I just love reading your blog. Someday soon I would like to have children and its encouraging to hear your very honest, hilarious, and sweet stories about your children. Thanks!

i have baby bangs! and a 7 month old daughteri type with one hand while i nurse i have an overactive 5 year old boyi have a beautiful Godly mother and she is my hero!just to name a few, but when i read your posts, especially about motherhood i feel like i'm reading my own thoughts...thanks for sharing! you're a blessing and your mom rocks!

We have a mutual friend. I knew Amy from her youth group she attended. My husband and I met in that youth group then served during college. We spoke at a true love waits rally the month before we were married. There I met Kristy that one and only time. She was marrying her man the following month too.

My 3 year old is very much like Jackson. Just the other day a friend had stopped by which was crazy because I live in the country and in general people do not just stop by. Out comes Gray naked. My friend asked if I thought he was ever going to wear clothes. I said, "He just was. You missed it." While building ALL THE WAY OUT HERE, we were potty training. It never failed. Every time we had to come out here, he had to go poop. I just said that word and I am so sorry. On a blog no doubt. Absolutely no way was I letting him use the port o john, how do you spell that? So, he always went outside somewhere. We were living in our house for 2 months before he would go willingly to the potty inside! My constant prayer? "Please God. Just not at church. Don't let this happen to me at church." My heart was tremendously encouraged by this though. I saw that my strong willed little one was definitly trainable. We had after all trained him to poop outside. Or is that every little boys dream? I could tell you about walking into the kitchen to find him swinging from my beautiful rooster pot rack. But maybe another time. And do not get me started about my mall purchases that have had me saying darn it all summer.

I don't know you personally. I have a 3 year old son named Noah and he is a HANDFUL! I have two daughters that are older than he so I thought I knew how to do this parenting thing. HA~ I enjoy your blog....thanks for keepin' it real. It blesses many!

Hi Amanda! We've never met but I do live in Texas, so that counts for something, right? I was also one of the first group of readers of the LPM blog way back when there were only a few comments per post. :) I'm not much of a commenter though!

No, we don't know each other and we've never met. As far as I know we don't even know the same people. The main thing we have in common is that we've been extremely blessed by your mom's ministry. So, basically I'm just a stalker! ;-)

Seriously, I'm a homeschooling mom of 4 kids (7, 4, 2, 14mo). I've typed one handed many times in the last 7 years! =)

Besides a baby, what pregnant women get in return for surrendering their waistlines is nine months of thick, glorious hair. It’s a beautiful thing. However, when Baby is just a few months old (about the time Mommy is seeing hints of her returning waistline) it all falls out. Soon her face is framed by the re-growth—lovely inch-long hairs called baby bangs. This blog is named for that charming little phenomenon.